The Yoga Book

This is very much a theoretical tome, with minimal postural illustrations and intense discussions of the spiritual aspects of yoga. The use of yoga for personal development and mental tranquility is heavily emphasized and the book embraces Christian attitudes - Jesus is regarded as 'one of the great masters' and the Bible is quoted liberally - while delving deeply into astral bodies, chakras and energy channels. All eight limbs of Ashtanga yoga are discussed in increasing detail, with layer upon layer of complexity, and most of these involve aspects such as moral and ethical restraints, concentration, meditation and enlightenment, with postural and breathing concerns important along the way. The moral and ethical restraints include the ten 'commandments' such as non-violence, truthfulness and honesty which underlie the principles of this form of yoga, and before the reader gets anywhere near postures there are profound discussions of contentment, self-study, surrender to god, purity and self-awareness. Sturgess is a Westerner who has practised yoga for over 30 years in both England and India, and who has been initiated in the ancient science of Kriya yoga meditation techniques by Swami Kriyananda, who writes the foreword to this book. This is an excellent study guide for those who wish to delve into the spiritual side of yoga, but is strictly for those who can deal with observations such as (on domestic cleanliness) 'on an astral level dirt attracts disembodied lower entities', and that these lower entities (which also hang around those who use alcohol or tobacco) 'force their thought impressions on one's astral body and cling to one's aura'. (Kirkus UK)